[MR diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid fistulas using a 3D-CISS sequence].
OBJECTIVE
We compared a new MR method for diagnosis of CSF fistulas with CT cisternography.


METHODS
In a prospective case study we examined 35 patients with posttraumatic CSF fistulas and compared the results with the intraoperative findings. The MR investigation was performed using a 1.0T whole body MR-system. We used a strongly T2*-weighted 3D-CISS sequence. The examinations were performed in prone position, in patients with severe CSF rhinorrhoea additionally in supine position.


RESULTS
The sensitivity and specificity of the MR method (88.9% and 95.1%) is higher compared with CT cisternography (77.8% and 87.8%). The reason for the lower sensitivity of CT compared with MRI are complex fracture systems, involving several paranasal cavities in patients with false positive results in CT cisternography. Reasons for the lower specificity of CT cisternography are false negative results in patients with small dural lesions below 2 mm2.


CONCLUSIONS
Using a new method MRI can detect CSF-fistulas. The MR method is superior to CT cisternography, is noninvasive, the administration of contrast and agent is no longer necessary.
Eberhardt
K E
KE
Abt. für Neuroradiologie, Neurochirurgische Universitätsklinik Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Deimling
M
M
Hollenbach
H P
HP
Huk
W J
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002946:Cisterna Magna / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D005004:Ethmoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
MR-Diagnostik bei Liquorfisteln mit einer 3D-CISS-Sequenz.